Alitalia, Etihad Airways deal gains EU approval

摘要

The European Union (EU) cleared the merger of Alitalia and Etihad Airways in mid-November, allowing the carriers to proceed with their proposed strategic partnership. The agreement between Etihad and SkyTeam member Alitalia came to fruition Aug. 8; under the deal, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad will take a 49% stake in Rome-based Alitalia. The approval came within the timeline sought by the carriers. Etihad president and CEO James Hogan told ATW in September he had hoped to gain EU regulatory approval for the investment deal "in 60 to 90 days." Following a review process, the EU confirmed the partnership complies with European regulations on competition. To pave the way for regulatory approval, the airlines undertook commitments aimed at facilitating the entry of new airlines on the Rome-Belgrade route.